From breakfast to dinner, and snacks in between, a great deal of thought and care goes into planning the delicious and nutritious meals served to residents in our long-term care homes.
“Food is an experience,” says Zahra Calle, National Menu Planning Consultant with Extendicare’s SGP Purchasing Partner Network division. “The aroma, textures, and flavour, all matter.”
As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance resident well-being and quality of life, a new approach to menu planning is underway to elevate the dining experience for all residents.
SGP leads this comprehensive menu process which involves bi-annual ideation sessions, where national food vendors are invited to a test kitchen to showcase their latest products and recipes.
A panel that includes Extendicare teams such as Operations, the Resident Quality and Experience team, and SGP, evaluate these offerings.
This fresh approach to menu planning has led to exciting meal options for residents including a new root vegetable soup, assorted cheeses, and delectable local desserts. Innovative dining solutions, such as pancake bites, help support residents with dexterity challenges. Meals in our long-term care homes are customized to the dietary of our residents.
“Testing recipes ensures that they live up to expectations and are suitable for the entire dining experience,” Zahra adds.
When menu plans have been developed, they are later reviewed by the Residents’ Council at each home. Zahra says resident feedback is an integral part of the menu planning process.
Extendicare’s recipe database contains 15,000 recipes, which includes culturally diverse menu options for our long-term care homes to choose from, in consultation with their Residents’ Council, providing delicious and nourishing meals with every bite.
Bon appétit!
